I'm still batting around potential concepts- among other things I'm waiting to see how the current PC roster shakes out (what Janis might become, whether Maraat or Khensu will remain on the team, etc.). My final proposal will depend on what looks best for the group. Very short capsules for my top concept ideas are as follows:
1. "Ygor the Drudge"- tank (if Khensu drops out, for instance). Half-giant Barbarian/psychic warrior. Caravan grunt labor, with his weaponry safely stowed- he had been trying to find a peaceful life, and to escape the carnage he had seen and caused in his life. But now that things are looking dark, he has put aside thoughts of rest and taken up his sword once more.
2. Tessaryl ("Tessa")- young cleric of the Sovereign host, healer and scholar (not a primary melle-type cleric). On the surface, she is simply a rather plain young woman, a war orphan who found a life in the arms of the church. She has a dark secret, though, one which has driven her to join an expedition to the most remote locale she could find- she has an aberrant dragonmark, and considers herself a (potential) abomination. Unfortunately, while the expedition has provided distance and relative quiet, the call and the power of her mark have grown on the journey... (possibly the Child of Khyber prestige class from the Dragonshards article on the WotC website- if not, then simply the Lesser Aberrant Mark feat at 6th level, and Greater Aberrant Mark at 9th)
3. (No name yet)- (Think River from Firefly)- female Elan, either pure Psion or Beguiler/psion, headed for Cerebremancer; has the Jack of all Trades feat, and has been working with the expedition in a bewildering variety of roles. She has no memory of life before she "awoke" one day in Sharn, and her primary influence is curiousity. Depending on her exact selection of powers, she can be either a utility caster or blaster (especially if Maraat drops out). She has a prononuced aversion to physical violence- I'd like the Peaceful flaw, if possible.
That's it so far. I'll have more depth as things evolve and choices become clearer.